Sedation Dentistry in Alpharetta

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Oral sedation dentistry uses medication to help you relax during your procedure so that you’re more at ease. It's often called sleep dentistry, but this term isn't strictly accurate unless you're undergoing general anesthesia. Sleep dentistry is often requested for more invasive treatments, but it's also used for dental cleanings and other simple procedures. The medication used for sedation will depend on the procedures that you're having, as well as your level of dental anxiety. For more information about getting sedation for dental treatment, call North Point Periodontics and we'll be happy to answer your questions.

Is Sedation Dentistry Very Costly?

As with any other dental procedure, your sedation dentistry cost will be influenced by several factors, such as the type of sedation you have, and the complexity of your dental procedure. We offer several affordable financing options that can help you manage your sedation dentistry cost, so ask us for more information.

What Are the Advantages of Sedation Dentistry?

One of the main advantages of dental sedation is that it allows you to maintain your oral health without the fear of going to the dentist. When you're not stressed about undergoing a dental procedure, you're more likely to have regular dental cleanings and checkups. And, your treatment will go more smoothly because your dentist won't have an anxious patient. Dental anxiety is very common, so don't feel as if you're the only one who suffers from it.

Are There Options for Sleep Dentistry?

If you're interested in having sedation dentistry in Alpharetta, we offer options based on the degree of sedation needed:

• Oral Sedation: Oral sedation dentistry is the most commonly used method because it's as simple as taking a pill. Before your procedure, we'll give you a pill that will make you drowsy. Although you may fall asleep, many patients remain awake, but fully relaxed throughout their procedure.
• Deep Sedation Dentistry: Also referred to as general anesthesia, this will place you in a deep sleep for the entire procedure. You'll wake up only when the anesthesia wears off or we give you a medication that will reverse the sedation.
• Inhaled minimal sedation: Often called laughing gas, the inhaled sedative is nitrous oxide, which will help you relax and facilitate your procedure. Your dentist will control the amount of nitrous oxide you receive to ensure that you remain conscious, but relaxed.
• IV Sedation Dentistry: For IV sedation dentistry, we'll insert an IV into one of your veins and deliver the sedative through the intravenous tube. IV sedation dentistry is the quickest method for sedating a patient. Your dentist will monitor the sedative throughout the procedure and adjust it as necessary so that you won't wake up during your treatment.

Does Dental Sedation Provide Benefits?

The primary benefit of dental sedation is improved oral health, because you can receive the treatment you need without increasing your stress level or dental anxiety. It will also keep you from gagging during the procedure. If you’ve avoided seeing a dentist because of your anxiety, please call us today to schedule an appointment for relaxing sleep dentistry in Alpharetta.

How Long Will It Take for the Effects of Dental Sedation to Wear Off?

Each patient's physiology is unique, so everyone recovers in a manner unique to them. Factors that influence the time it takes for the sedative to wear off include the type of sedation you received, the dosage you needed, and your reaction to the medication. Many patients who opt for inhaled sedation can drive themselves home. Other types of sedatives, such as an IV or general anesthesia, may last for several hours after the procedure. As a precaution after getting a stronger sedative, patients should arrange for transportation home rather than trying to drive themselves.

If you’ve avoided going to the dentist because of a dental phobia or anxiety, then call us today at (678) 951-8356 to make an appointment. Don't sacrifice your good oral health any longer. Without good oral health, you won't have good physical health, so look into having dental sedation at North Point Periodontics. We look forward to working with you to restore your good oral health.